CDU and SPD Face Political Challenges in Saxony's Leadership Vote

Michael Kretschmer's bid for re-election as Saxony's Ministerpräsident is uncertain due to a lack of majority support in the state parliament.

Michael Kretschmer of the CDU is seeking re-election as Saxony's Ministerpräsident but faces a tough challenge due to his minority coalition with the SPD lacking a majority in parliament.
Two opposing candidates, AfD leader Jörg Urban and independent Matthias Berger, are also vying for the position, creating a highly competitive race.
The CDU-SPD coalition needs 61 votes for an absolute majority, but they are currently 10 votes short, raising doubts about Kretschmer's ability to secure victory in the first voting round.
The situation has drawn comparisons to the controversial 2020 Thüringen election, where an AfD-supported candidate briefly won, highlighting risks of political instability.
The Greens, previously part of the governing coalition, have refused to back Kretschmer, further complicating the chances for a stable government under his leadership.